HANOI, Vietnam — Ivica Osim and captain Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi put on a united front Sunday after questions were raised over a poor attitude permeating the Japan squad ahead of its first Asian Cup finals game.
Japan coach Osim has continually bemoaned the lack of preparation time available to him and his players, but rubbished suggestions from sections of the Japanese media that a shared lack of desire among the players will further hamper Japan's chances of a third straight Asian title.
"Maybe if you were in my place as a head coach you would improve the atmosphere of the team," Osim said. "But I have talked with the players and I haven't met anyone who doesn't want to be a champion."